Opaque dark cherry color indicative of warm climate ripe fruit extraction level, in spite of only 14.1% alcohol. Aroma of sweet dusty fruit mélange with a hint of what bouquet will evolve in the years to come. Aggressive medium body mouthfeel with stronger than expected acidity and highly articulate tannins present. The fruit is tightly wrapped (To use a term I remember the presenter at a 1990 Bordeaux tasting use, oh these many years ago, “Inferred Fruit.”) with the larger Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec berries being the more prominent flavors. Strangely, the Cabernet Sauvignon is the sweetest of the cast of Vinifera, and will likely carry much of the responsibility for whatever complexity this wine will exhibit. The wine is highly pleasurable and easily accessible at its present stage, although I would have expected this blend of warm terroir varietals to show with more complexity, as it seems the group is vying for position in the cue rather than showing team spirit and synergistically performing. The wine is well made and I will monitor the other bottles, fingers crossed, over the ensuing years.
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IWFS Jax: a night of Oregon & Washington (Queens Harbour): This was a wine that I was excited for and so I kept it till last. A producer that I have liked in the past esp with some time to air. Sadly this was closed down this evening even though it had been in the bottle and 'airing' for a few hours by the time I got to it. Just very tight. Didn't express much. Perhaps needed a decant? Or needs a bit more time? Not sure.
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Retail $28. Under Cork. Big. Ass. Bottle. 59% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec. Another kitchen-sink kind of blend and yet *another* ridiculously heavy bottle. This is my second Owen Roe blend of the night (Sinister Hand was the other) and this might be slightly more complex. Medium color, but fairly big fruit, with blackberry and plum coming through. There is also a fair amount of "greeness" which, no doubt, comes from the Cab Franc in the blend. The palate is quite fruity as well and ready to drink--some good acidity, but the tannins are subtle and integrated. Drink now.
Tried this on a whim after seeing it at Costco for $22. This wine represents a crossover between the right bankers I love for their structure and complexity, and the new world richness. Tasty plum and licorice with nice structure. Finish goes on for days. Drink now.
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Washington & Oregon wines: Light purple color. Smells like sweet red currants, black cherries, spiced cranberry relish, with violets, black tea, sweet cocoa. Full but suave on the palate, this is smooth but mouth-filling, deep but has a fresh appeal, too. Currants and plums, topped in violets, tobacco, eucalyptus, graphite. Chewy, deep feel, luscious but shows vibrancy and freshness. 59% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, sourced from Red Willow, Union Gap and DuBrul Vineyards.
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4/2/2023 - bgdau Likes this wine:
Well integrated. Paired nicely with gourmet burger.
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2/4/2023 - Stampeder Likes this wine: 89 Points
Solid mid priced red blend. Like the fact the Merlot does not taste like it was aged in oak that gives it a dirty flavor. Clean tasting blend.
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8/15/2022 - theebigjuan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really nice wine at an accessible price. Enough dark fruit to be easy drinking and enough body and structure to enjoy with food.
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3/22/2022 - Josch48 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opaque dark cherry color indicative of warm climate ripe fruit extraction level, in spite of only 14.1% alcohol. Aroma of sweet dusty fruit mélange with a hint of what bouquet will evolve in the years to come.
Aggressive medium body mouthfeel with stronger than expected acidity and highly articulate tannins present. The fruit is tightly wrapped (To use a term I remember the presenter at a 1990 Bordeaux tasting use, oh these many years ago, “Inferred Fruit.”) with the larger Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec berries being the more prominent flavors. Strangely, the Cabernet Sauvignon is the sweetest of the cast of Vinifera, and will likely carry much of the responsibility for whatever complexity this wine will exhibit. The wine is highly pleasurable and easily accessible at its present stage, although I would have expected this blend of warm terroir varietals to show with more complexity, as it seems the group is vying for position in the cue rather than showing team spirit and synergistically performing.
The wine is well made and I will monitor the other bottles, fingers crossed, over the ensuing years.
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6/26/2021 - MC2 Wines wrote:
IWFS Jax: a night of Oregon & Washington (Queens Harbour): This was a wine that I was excited for and so I kept it till last. A producer that I have liked in the past esp with some time to air. Sadly this was closed down this evening even though it had been in the bottle and 'airing' for a few hours by the time I got to it. Just very tight. Didn't express much. Perhaps needed a decant? Or needs a bit more time? Not sure.
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5/18/2021 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 90 Points
Retail $28. Under Cork. Big. Ass. Bottle. 59% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec. Another kitchen-sink kind of blend and yet *another* ridiculously heavy bottle. This is my second Owen Roe blend of the night (Sinister Hand was the other) and this might be slightly more complex. Medium color, but fairly big fruit, with blackberry and plum coming through. There is also a fair amount of "greeness" which, no doubt, comes from the Cab Franc in the blend. The palate is quite fruity as well and ready to drink--some good acidity, but the tannins are subtle and integrated. Drink now.
http://www.thedrunkencyclist.com
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3/14/2021 - Wbharris Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opened up in a big way after an hour or so. Good stuff.
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3/9/2021 - kcsteve Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice, light everyday drinker. What's not to like!
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11/30/2020 - winepog wrote: 88 Points
Not sure I get this wine. A bit bitter and hot - not sure but maybe too young.
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11/12/2020 - WDK Likes this wine: 94 Points
Tried this on a whim after seeing it at Costco for $22. This wine represents a crossover between the right bankers I love for their structure and complexity, and the new world richness. Tasty plum and licorice with nice structure. Finish goes on for days. Drink now.
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3/5/2020 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 90 Points
Washington & Oregon wines: Light purple color. Smells like sweet red currants, black cherries, spiced cranberry relish, with violets, black tea, sweet cocoa. Full but suave on the palate, this is smooth but mouth-filling, deep but has a fresh appeal, too. Currants and plums, topped in violets, tobacco, eucalyptus, graphite. Chewy, deep feel, luscious but shows vibrancy and freshness. 59% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, sourced from Red Willow, Union Gap and DuBrul Vineyards.
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